According to RMK's communication specialist Kristiina Viiron, going into nature has become an easy way for people to break away from their daily routine. RMK’s data shows that visits to nature trails have grown significantly year by year by nearly 68 percent over the past decade.
The pandemic popularized hiking
Georgi Klimakov, an expert at Matkaspordi (a hiking gear retailer), also confirms that interest in hiking has grown noticeably in recent years. According to him, hiking became especially popular after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People are increasingly looking for opportunities to spend time in nature to disconnect from the digital world and urban noise,” said Klimakov. He added that hiking has become easier and more accessible thanks to modern gear, which is lighter, more comfortable, and easier to use than before. This has made hiking attractive to both families and beginners. Summer and vacation periods also offer more chances to spend time outdoors.
Viiron from RMK emphasized the importance of dressing appropriately for the weather when going hiking. Layered clothing is recommended, and a waterproof outer layer should always be included. Footwear should also match weather conditions and ideally be waterproof. “For longer hikes, it’s best to wear well-worn shoes—blisters can ruin the whole trip,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of planning: “When planning a hike, you should consider the route, duration, and gear. If you follow marked RMK trails, it’s easy to enjoy nature without the fear of getting lost.”
Growing interest in International hiking trails
According to Klimakov, Estonians still primarily hike within the country, but interest in foreign hiking destinations is growing. Popular destinations include Norway, Sweden, Iceland, the Alps, as well as more distant locations like Georgia and Nepal.
“People often travel abroad with a specific goal in mind—such as summiting a mountain or completing a well-known trail,” he said. While Estonia’s good access and trail network make it a great place to start hiking, more experienced hikers increasingly look abroad for new adventures.
Klimakov noted that hiking gear depends mainly on where and how long the trip will be. For short walks in Estonia, basic gear is enough. But for multi-day hikes or international treks, where conditions can change quickly (e.g. from warm weather to cold mountains), specialized gear is required.
“That’s why it’s important to think carefully before buying hiking gear: what do you already have, what can be borrowed or bought second-hand, and what is worth investing in,” said Andrus Salusoo, Head of Inbank Estonia's Business Unit.
Hiking gear doesn’t have to be expensive
High-quality hiking equipment—like a good backpack, rainproof gear, or a tent for several people—can cost several hundred euros. Salusoo recommends thinking through major purchases and, if needed, spreading the cost over time: “If someone wants to invest in durable hiking equipment that will serve them for years, it makes sense to consider whether the full price needs to be paid at once or whether it can be split over several months. Many stores offer interest-free installment options for larger investments.”
Salusoo also suggested thinking broadly—not just about price, but also about usage frequency and durability: “If the gear ends up gathering dust in the closet, it’s a poor investment. But if the family plans to hike every season, it makes sense to buy comfortable, weather-resistant gear that lasts for years.”
Matkaspordi expert Georgi Klimakov emphasized that beginner hikers don’t need expensive gear. What matters more is smart planning and meeting the most basic needs. “For getting started, simple solutions are enough. The three most important investments are hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a comfortable backpack. Many other items—like fleeces, base layers, and drink containers—can be substituted with what you already have for sports or leisure,” said Klimakov.
He estimated that a good pair of hiking shoes typically costs around €100, and backpacks range from €80 to €200. The price of hiking clothes depends on preferences: simple gear can cost around €50, while a full set of proper hiking clothes—including a wind- and waterproof jacket and mid-layers—can reach up to €600.
RMK recreational area visits by year:
2014 - 1.9 million
2015 - 2.2 million
2016 - 2.3 million
2017 - 2.4 million
2018 - 2.7 million
2019 - 2.6 million
2020 - 2.9 million
2021 - 2.9 million
2022 - 2.96 million
2023 - 3 million
2024 - 3.2 million
